Ideas for returning a pie plate (or other dish)

**Chevelle72** · 07-20-2011, 10:05 PM

I'm looking for cute (but frugal!) ideas for returning dishes. My Mom makes wonderful pies and my husband and I are the happy and fortunate beneficiaries of her love for pie making.

I do lots of things for and with my Mom, but I still hate returning those dishes empty. She doesn't care, but I do.

Anyone have any grand ideas to return a dish with a new kind of thank you? Please share

G.

**Debbie-cat** · 07-20-2011, 10:28 PM

How about some ingredients for the pies? A bag of flour, fruit or whatever she might use. Tied together with a cute ribbon. Laying a dishcloth on the bottom of the pie plate would make it look finished and who can't use more dishcloths?

Then you will get another one back!

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-21-2011, 12:51 AM

Maybe a gift card to Bath & Body Works or one of her favorite stores. A restaurant gift cert?

**mamamia** · 07-21-2011, 06:21 AM

Is there something that you bake or cook that she especially enjoys? Maybe returning the plate or a small casserole dish filled with lasagne, or something that she might not make herself anymore would make for an appreciated night off from cooking?

I think it's sweet that you do alot with your mom!

Let us know what you decide!

Theresa

Love the 1st two suggestions also!

**shoiji** · 07-21-2011, 07:52 AM

You can also fill them with whatever fruit is on sale. A couple of peaches, box of blueberries or strawberries, apples, etc. Does she like freshcut flowers. A nice bunch on sale at the grocery store with a little thank you note.

Does she like ice cream? Maybe some gift certificates.

How about a fancy invitation to dinner or lunch at your house. You can pull out all the stops. Your best china, silverware, goblets on the table. Her favorite meal. To really make things fun your husband can be the butler and serve you and your mother. Might be a fun way to show your appreciate her.

**Josephhgoins** · 07-21-2011, 09:11 AM

what are her hobbies? Can you return it with some supplies for her?

Maybe a paperback from her favorite author? Some new pot holders? Maybe even another pie plate?

**Jayne** · 07-21-2011, 10:13 AM

How about a photo of you and your dh enjoying the pie?

**Ali Lee** · 07-21-2011, 10:52 AM

I would love to be just invited to my dau's house for coffee. To sit @ their table & chat, look @ their pretties, & be given a hug & kiss when I leave. Maybe your Mom would like that, too. To me, that would be the best thank you.

**krbshappy71** · 07-21-2011, 11:03 AM

A personal note on pretty stationary telling her you are thankful to have her in your life.

**max915** · 07-21-2011, 01:18 PM

I just love all the ideas here....I canned some green beans for my son and his wife and they couldn't wait even a day to try a jar and to me that is telling me how excited they were to get that...just makes me want to smile from ear to ear..

**cab54** · 07-21-2011, 01:27 PM

If it were me, I'd want it back filled with peanut M&Ms.

**ml2620** · 07-21-2011, 05:07 PM

Our neighbor often bakes for us and we pay her back with vegetables, flowers and fresh local eggs from our yard (and a friend's back yard chickens)
.

**frugalfranny** · 07-21-2011, 07:50 PM

I agree with the putting food back in it idea......

do you make something that she especially likes? Put some of that
in it for her.

I know I like to bake but I am not real big on 'cooking'.......and if it is just her............that would be one less meal she had to fix.

**Chevelle72** · 07-31-2011, 12:21 AM

Big thank you to all who replied. I put tomatos from my garden in it. I was taking them anyway. Cheryl I laughed at the peanut m&m's, one of my favorites too

Lots of great ideas here for next time too.